Many people viewed the Green Bay Packers as the team to beat in the NFC North. Others were certain this was the year that the Detroit Lions would finally find their way to the top. But after two weeks in the NFL only one thing is certain: the San Francisco 49ers are better than that. Much better.

The 49ers dealt Green Bay an opening week loss. Last night they handled Detroit. Two weeks, two wins over NFC North teams. And this week they travel to Minnesota. Survivor pools across the country will be looking closely at the game in the Metrodome.

Watching the Bears and Packers play in week two, one could not help but see mediocrity. Without an effective Matt Forte, the Bears offense was relegated to Jay Cutler's whimsical decision-making, tantrums, and an offense that was quite offensive. Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and the Lions defensive front were being taught a lesson in toughness.

Minnesota had it much easier. They were in Indianapolis, where the biggest offensive star is a rookie (Andrew Luck) or an aging veteran (Reggie Wayne). No Joseph Addai, no Peyton Manning. But mistakes turned what could have been a 2-0 start into a 1-1 beginning that cried 2011. Some credit must be given to Minnesota for coming back from two touchdowns down, and overcoming the abundant mistakes to tie the game late at 20-20. This week would not be Blair Walsh being the hero, rather Adam "He's just a kicker" Vinatieri. His long field goal gave the Colts a rare win in their rebuild mode and shook the eternal optimists down from their perch a little.

But fear not Vikings' faithful, we are tied for first in the North, and tied for seventh overall. That is because twenty teams are 1-1, while only six are undefeated. After two weeks parody has been established. Given twelve teams make the playoffs, the optimists could point out we are right where we want to be.

Garrison Keillor was wrong. Being average ain't so bad.

Skol.